Ta Muen Thom Castle

Ta Muen Thom Castle is located in the Ta Muen mountain pass, Panom Dongrak mountain range in the area of Baan Nong Kanna Samakkee, Moo 8, Tambol Ta Miang, Amphoe Panom Dongrak, Surin. It is the biggest castle in the Ta Muen Thom Group Castle Historical Park which consists of 3 stone castles which are Ta Muen Thom Castle, Ta Muen Tod Castle and Ta Muen Castle. Ta Muen Thom Castle is the biggest of the three (Thom in Khmer language means big). The castle was built on a sacred rock in form of Shiva Lingum and it is also a sacred place for performing rituals. Ta Muen Thom Castle is facing the south which is different from other castles facing toward the east. The reason it faces south is because it is intended to welcome the travellers from the Khmer side. Ta Muen Thom Castle is the main castle with two sandstone stupas on the north east and northwest side. There are 2 towers and 2 ponds nearby.This castle is the nearest to the Khmer border. Therefore, during the visit, the tourists should stay inside the castle area only since the area apart from this is not safe. Ta Muen Tod Castle is around 750 metres away from Ta Muen Thom castle. It was built with laterite with walls around and a small pond on the north. This castle was believed to be the hospital of the community and also the transportation route which were assumed to be built during the 7th Chai Woraman King’s era. Ta Muen Castle is around 390 metres from Ta Muen Tod Castle. It is the smallest of the group. It was built with laterite in a long square shape. It is believed to be the resting point for travellers in the ancient time. Ta Muen Group Castle is the most complete castle to fulfil the need of the passer-by in this area. There was no evidence to prove of any other resting point for the travellers. Having the group castle is a fact to show that this area used to be an important route that is important to the community in this area.